4 best cabinet radios

Cabinet radios are a type of electronic device that combines a traditional radio receiver with a wooden cabinet or housing, often designed to resemble furniture or a decorative piece. These radios were popular during the mid-20th century and are considered both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Here's what you should know about cabinet radios:

  1. Design and Aesthetics: Cabinet radios were known for their stylish and ornate designs. They often featured wooden cabinets with intricate carvings, veneers, or polished finishes, making them a prominent piece of furniture in a room. The design elements were influenced by the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements of the time.

  2. Radio Technology: Inside the wooden cabinet, cabinet radios housed the radio receiver components, including vacuum tubes, tuning dials, and sometimes record players or phonographs. These radios allowed users to listen to broadcasted AM and, later, FM radio stations.

  3. Functionality: Cabinet radios provided a means for people to access news, entertainment, and music broadcasts in their homes. Some models incorporated additional features, such as record players or gramophones, allowing users to play their favorite records.

  4. Nostalgia: Cabinet radios evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. They are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their vintage charm and craftsmanship. Restoring and preserving these radios has become a popular hobby.

  5. Variety of Models: Cabinet radios came in various sizes, shapes, and styles to cater to different tastes and room aesthetics.Some were designed as tabletop radios, while others were larger floor-standing models.

  6. Antique Value: Well-preserved cabinet radios, especially those with unique designs or historical significance, can have significant antique value. Collectors and vintage enthusiasts may seek out specific brands or models.

  7. Technology Advancements: Over time, cabinet radios evolved with technological advancements. They transitioned from using vacuum tubes to transistors, becoming smaller and more portable. Modern radios and audio equipment have largely replaced the functionality of cabinet radios.

  8. Restoration: Many enthusiasts enjoy restoring and refurbishing old cabinet radios to their original glory. This can involve replacing worn-out components, refinishing the wooden cabinet, and ensuring that the radio is in working condition.

  9. Collectibility: Collectors often focus on specific brands, models, or time periods when collecting cabinet radios. The rarity and condition of the radio can significantly affect its collectible value.

  10. Modern Reproductions: Some manufacturers create modern reproductions of cabinet radios that mimic the vintage designs but incorporate modern technology like digital tuners and Bluetooth connectivity.

In summary, cabinet radios are vintage electronic devices that combine radio receivers with ornate wooden cabinets. They are cherished for their aesthetic appeal, historical significance, and nostalgic value, attracting collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their unique charm and craftsmanship.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best cabinet radios on the market
  

iLive iKBC384S Bluetooth Under the Cabinet Radio with CD Player

iLive

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The iLive Bluetooth Under the Cabinet Radio with CD Player lets you stream music from your device for unrivaled control of your listening experience. Enjoy your CD's and listen to music, news, weather, and traffic with the FM radio while you prepare for the day. Maximize your counter space with this radio that features a kitchen timer, LCD display, digital volume control, and a simple mounting kit for easy installation. A remote control is included for changing tracks, radio stations, or adjusting volume. The sleek design will complement any kitchen decor. AC/DC power adapter included. iLive products are specifically designed to enhance your digital devices including iPod, iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Mobile Phones, Tablets, Televisions, and Bluetooth Devices. Our focus is on delivering a great product that serves as an extension of a these devices, in both design and function, without compromising on audio quality, feature-set, or ease-of-use.

  • Slim under cabinet radio and cd player with Bluetooth wireless streaming. The item does not retrieve AM stations (only CDs or FM radio stations).
  • Supports Bluetooth v2.0 with a 33 foot range
  • Listen to your favorite CDs or FM radio stations; Includes 20 FM station presets
  • LCD display, kitchen timer, digital clock, and remote; Supports automatic device pairing
  • Powered by AC/DC power adapter with battery backup (2 AA batteries not included)
  • Please be sure the source “CD” is selected when attempting to play a compact disc. Also note the device is not manufactured to play “copied, burned or duplicated” CDs

User questions & answers

Question: can it play CDRW discs
Answer: does it play cd-r/rw
Question: does it have a counter light
Answer: No counter light
Question: how easily does it switch bluetooth devices
Answer: There's a button that says "Source" on it - from the "radio" it's one click to bluetooth. As for switching between devices, just pair them up, select this device from the list on the phone, and boom.
Question: May be a silly question, but does it play AM radio? Only mentions FM. Usually see AM/FM
Answer: It is only FM, I wondered this as well before I bought it and sure enough no AM radio.

Product features

About iLive iKBC384S

Stream music from your device to the IKBC384S for unrivaled control of your listening experience. Enjoy your CD's and listen to music, news, weather, and traffic with the FM radio. The IKBC384S also features a kitchen timer, and a simple mounting kit for easy installation.

Tyler Bluetooth Under The Cabinet Universal Wireless Music System, Kitchen Clock Radio, FM Radio, Digital Clock, Hands Free Speakerphone, LED Work Surface Lighting - White (TKS2-WH)

Tyler

Based on 195 reviews Check latest price
  • Tyler's TKS2-WH radio brings wireless music to the kitchen or anywhere in the house! The radio has an FM tuner with a 20 station memory and a Bluetooth function for wireless streaming from smartphones or tablets.
  • The Tyler TKS2-WH kitchen radio features two built-in speakers.
  • The kitchen radio's range of features is rounded out by a times, dual alarm, sleep timer and snooze function.
  • The radio comes equipped with a practical LED lighting ti illuminate the work of surfaces below. The device's touch screen display can be used during cooking and then easily wiped clean afterwards.
  • The Bluetooth interface of the radio allows a practical hands-free function. Incoming calls can be handled thanks to the radios built-in microphone. Answer the phone while you are cooking!

User questions & answers

Question: Can you replace the led lights? ours are no longer working
Answer: The lights on my unit never worked and there were no instructions in the manual about replacing LED lights.
Question: Does it have am
Answer: No it does not have am radio. I thought that was weird
Question: Does this have a two prong or three prong plug in
Answer: Two
Question: The display (turned off) says am, but the mode button does not get me there. how do i turn on the am radio?e there
Answer: The unit does not have an AM tuner. The description says FM only. The AM you see changes to PM in the afternoon.

Product features

Everything you could ever want in music right in your kitchen!

The Tyler TKS Bluetooth under cabinet speaker is perfect for listening to your favorite music while cooking your favorite meals. With built-in FM radio you can keep up with the weather, sports, or your favorite talk shows. The 30 foot range wireless connection will ensure your music never stops playing.

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All-in-one Kitchen Station

  • Bluetooth
  • FM Radio - 20 Presets
  • Hands Free Speakerphone
  • Easy Mount
  • LED Lights

Convenience

The TKS includes a built in clock, alarm, timer, and kitchen light. Turn the timer on and enjoy your favorite music while baking. The alarm function can power up the device to any FM radio station of your choosing.

Hands Free Calling

The TKS includes a built in microphone. Keep your phone safe from kitchen hazards. The TKS allows you to answer all calls using one button operation. Automatic device pairing ensures a seamless transition from your phone to the speaker.

Sangean WR-16SE 45th Anniversary Special Edition AM/FM/Bluetooth/Aux-in/USB Phone Charging Dark Walnut Wooden Cabinet Radio with Rose Gold Face Plate

Sangean

Based on 252 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Sangean’s 45th Anniversary special edition AM/FM Bluetooth radio radio—the WR-16. Much has changed in 45 years, but not sangean’s commitment to designing and manufacturing the best radios there is to offer. With worldwide recognition for superior sound quality, performance, features and durability, The WR-16SE exemplifies sangean’s promise for True excellence.

  • Am/ FM analog radio with built-in Bluetooth technology version 4.1 class II wireless Audio streaming
  • Soft and precise Vernier Tuning with tuning and band indicators
  • Deep bass compensation for rich bass with a 3 inch 10 watts full range speaker
  • Auxiliary input for additional audio sources, like MP3 and CD players.
  • Usb 5V/ 1a for charging mobile phones, REC out jack and stereo headphone output

User questions & answers

Question: Does the Rec Out jack output all sources in true 2 channel stereo
Answer: I'm not sure about the jack output in stereo...But I can tell you that the radio sound itself is really surprisingly good! I have a Bose Soundlink II and the radio and bluetooth sound and connect just as well.
Question: is this a shorwave radio
Answer: This radio is NOT a short wave radio.
Question: Can this radio be connected to external powered speakers
Answer: This device has a Rec Out 3.5 mm jack. This is a line-level output, which you can connect to any amp or powered speakers. You would then control the volume, tone, etc. with the external device, not this one.
Question: We live in the mountains and radio reception is spotty. Does this one radio work well in the mountains
Answer: I wish I could tell you, but I can say in the area is mostly rural and we're about 50 miles from the transmitters and our reception is amazing. This is an amazing radio.. good luck

Product features

Continuing 45 Years of Excellence

Meet Sangean's 45th Anniversary Special Edition of their most popular radio - the WR-16.

Much has changed in 45 years, but not Sangean's commitment to designing and manufacturing radios with superior sound quality, performance, features and durability. The WR-16SE exemplifies Sangean's promise for true excellence.

Deep Bass Compensation for Rich Bass

Dynamic bass compensation and state-of-the-art performance ensure a rich, clean sound anywhere.

AM / FM Analog Radio

In true Sangean tradition, the sensitivity and reception are exceptional, providing clear and static-free listening.

Auxiliary In and USB

Auxiliary input allows you to connect additional audio sources, like MP3 and CD players. Charge your smartphone with the built-in USB 5V/1A port so you'll always be ready to go.

Simply Touch to Pair

The Bluetooth 4.1 Class II and NFC technology also allows for simple pairing and connection to your device with only a simple touch.

Sylvania SKCR Under Cabinet Clock Radio, Music System with Bluetooth Streaming and FM Radio

SYLVANIA

Based on 450 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Do you want to stream music to your kitchen in an easy and no hassle way? Sylvania's latest under cabinet Clock Radio now features Bluetooth! Easily mount this under your kitchen counter cabinet and play all your favorite music wirelessly from your Bluetooth enabled device. This under counter system also has FM Radio built in so you can play your favorite tunes on the hi-fi speakers. This player supports the latest Bluetooth V 3.0 and with 1 button you can connect this to your iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, Blackberry, Mobile Phones, Tablets, Televisions, and any Bluetooth device and start streaming your music to the amazing sounding speakers. It will make working in the kitchen feel like a party! The intuitive controls allow for easy operation and a large display is easy to read. The clear LED screen will display the time or station you are listening to. It makes switching stations a breeze. Change the volume via the digital display making it easy to find the perfect volume! You can power the unit via AC adapter, and there is a battery back up in case of power failure. An easy to follow mounting kit is included in the box. This is an ideal gift for any mom or dad that spends time in the kitchen. Or buy one for yourself to change your cooking experience!

  • Under-Cabinet Clock with FM Radio and Bluetooth
  • The Latest Bluetooth V 3.0 Allows you to Easily Stream Music to the Speakers from iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, BlackBerry or any Bluetooth Enabled Devices
  • Built In Hi-Fi Speakers; LED Digital Display for Easy Read-Out of the Time and to Set Radio Statin and Volume Levels
  • Powered by AC Adapter with Battery Back Up In Case of Black-Out.FM Frequency Range: 87.5 to 108.0 MHz
  • Easy to Follow Mounting Kit Included

User questions & answers

Question: My unit does not pick up any radio channels. Suggestions? (I have a handyman). Will return if not
Answer: The antenna is hot glued inside the unit around the perimeter (some of it runs under a circuit board). It is one of the black wires about 1.5 ft. long. Unless you live above the radio station the reception will be terrible. To get better reception you need to remove the screws and take off the top. Carefully break the antenna free from the glue and unwind it. Drill a small hole in the back and thread the antenna through the hole. Put it back together and position the antenna wire so that you get the best reception. Make sure that you identify and ONLY pull (it will take some effort) on the antenna wire when breaking it free and be careful not to damage any of the other components or wires.
Question: Dose it have a remote
Answer: No it doesn't have a remote.
Question: Does this unit have the ability to connect to existing built in speakers{wired speakers
Answer: Bluetooth only, no speaker jacks
Question: Does it also have an AM radio tuner
Answer: No AM radio - FM only

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